Storm surges can both destroy and create piping plover habitat.

Officials with the Island Nature Trust say recent storm surges on P.E.I. may have harmed — or helped — the endangered piping plover.

Jackie Waddell, executive director with the trust, said the organization is eager to see how the storm surges have changed beaches where the birds call home.

"We could have lots of new piping plover habitat. We could have some completely destroyed, so that the beach is narrower, there's no room for plovers to nest in front of the dunes," Waddell explained.

"It's just hard to know without going out."

Waddell said the surges may have left a whole new sand veneer over what had been perfect habitat before. Other shifts, however, could help create new areas for the birds to nest.

She said the trust won't be able to check out all the beaches but plans to pick a few that have experienced dramatic changes. Waddell said several key areas include Lakeside, St. Peters and the North Rustico sandbar.

Last year, there were 69 plovers on the Island.